And ‘international battalion’ for the Azov brigade. It would be this the Ukrainian projectwhile the conflict in Ukraine continues, triggered by the large-scale Russian invasion that began on February 24 three years ago.
Recruitment, English as a requirement and test
The war is about to enter its fourth year and the Azov brigade – defense and security expert Dan Sabbagh writes in the British ‘Guardian’ – is looking for recruits who speak English. The unit’s commander, code-named ‘Karl’, hopes for recruits with military experience. “We are fighting not to allow Russia to get closer to Europe,” he says.
To join the ranks of the Azov brigade – which currently operates near Toretsk, in the east of the country – for those who are not Ukrainian everything begins with the recruitment procedure, including interviews in Kiev, psychological evaluation and – says Karl – a “tests” to rule out would-be fighters working undercover for the Russians.
The first phase of training would last two to three months, even for those with military experience. Since February three years ago, the Guardian recalls, 15 British fighters and volunteers have died.